Turning the Route to Creativity: Creative Workspaces in Üsküdar

“We will continue to move forward, we will open new doors, we will do new things; because we are curious and our curiosity leads us to new paths.” Adopting this quote from Walt Disney, we set our course to the places of innovation and productivity in Üsküdar. There are many cafes, libraries, and places for students who want to study in Üsküdar, but today we have chosen two places. Let’s explore these two creative work areas in Üsküdar together!

1. Nevmekân Sahil

Nevmekân Sahil is a place where three elements that increase creativity (soft music, silence, dim light) are located. It is a place that makes those who have made lifelong learning their philosophy of life and who do not give up on producing despite all obstacles smile. Nevmekân Sahil, which is open until the morning during university students’ midterm and final exams and offers tea, coffee, and soup, is the apple of students’ eyes. It is quite different from classic places and libraries. It meets the expectations of researchers with its facilities and offers the opportunity to work in a peaceful way. This calmness drives you to productivity, you feel the effect of creativity by working extremely efficiently. The upper floor of the two-story building contains research-oriented books, while the lower floor contains Turkish literature, world literature, poems, novels, and essays.

Nevmekan Sahil is the embodiment of the phrase “the hour passed like water”. Here, you can visit the mixed art exhibition “Yaz Vakti” prepared with the contributions of the original artist. You will come across calligraphy works in the exhibitions.

It is quite easy to reach Nevmekan Sahil. You pass by it on your way from Kuşkonmaz Mosque to Rum Mehmet Paşa Mosque. You will see it again on the coast while walking towards the Maiden’s Tower. It is on a route very close to the Marmaray Üsküdar Station, Üsküdar Metro Station, or Üsküdar Pier. You can go there seven days a week between 10:00 and 23:00 to read a book, study, and add peace to your exam marathon. You can also do your book subscription, loan/return transactions between 10:00-18:00. You should definitely go to Nevmekan Sahil to witness that your productivity increases automatically and you can work longer.

2. Nevmekan Selimiye

Nevmekan Selimiye is built in an old bathhouse. The building, which was first used as Selimiye Barracks by Sultan Selim III, was used by Nizam-ı Cedid soldiers in 1800-1801. The building, known as the historical Selimiye Bathhouse, was named Nevmekan Selimiye after the restoration works of Üsküdar Municipality.

It is a place full of students and those who come to chat with their loved ones even in the early hours of the day. It is adjacent to the Great Selimiye Mosque. If you are wondering how to get there, transportation will not tire you. Those who will use public transportation can get off at Harem using any public transportation passing through Harem and reach Nevmekan Selimiye after a 10-minute walk. Those who will go by car should not worry, they will not have any parking problems. When you go to Nevmekan Selimiye to work, you can examine the “Hamam Collection” works. (It is mind-opening, we say.) You can go and work every day of the week between 08.00-23.00 and do creative work.

Written by: Nilda Paşaoğlu